Yeah, so the whole idea of starting to write every day didn't really work out. It was probably for two reasons: it was December and I was in the process of quitting a job. Life got really nuts around the holidays, just like it does for everyone else.
I am warning you now that this is a long post. Hopefully, I will get photos up soon, but this is just a text review of the holidays. If you don't get through it, I won't hate you!
We had a day after Thanksgiving gathering and our Christmas party Dec. 11 (and I had made 13 kinds of cookies all the food, decorating, etc.). On Dec. 12, we went to a surprise 50th birthday party for my aunt and went to Hozak's farm (the same place we got our pumpkins) to pick out our annual live tree. The following week I had a work Christmas party and was getting ready for Christmas.
On Dec. 19 we went to my grandma's house to decorate her tree, and my cousins were there, too. It was a good time. Since my grandma wasn't feeling well, she told my mom the week of Christmas that she would like my mom to host the holiday. She didn't want to give it up, but it was the best choice. I had spent all day Dec. 8 taking my grandma to get x-rays and tests done. We were all excited mom was going to host Christmas, since my parents' house is bigger.
My last day of work was Dec. 21, and it was such a happy day for me. I hated the job, and I really needed to move on. (You can read more about that here.)
On Dec.23, we went to dinner at Undo's, a local Italian eatery, and then we went to the B.E. Taylor Christmas concert. He is a local musician who puts on a fantastic show. If you ever get a chance to listen to his Christmas music, you should listen. Joe and I pretty much agree that the B.E. Taylor Christmas songs are the best versions of the songs. We love him.
Dec. 24 was the most wonderful Christmas Eve. It was so relaxing and wonderful. I assembled a Christmas breakfast casserole (apples, French toast, etc.), and here is the recipe for it. I used the reviewers suggestions and flipped the layers. Also, I added a little pumpkin pie spice and most of the apples. It was tasty. I then made a cranberry spread that my family loves. I made that for our post-Christmas Eve Mass celebration. I served the spread with Nilla wafers, cinnamon Graham cracker sticks and honey Graham cracker sticks and honey wheat pretzel sticks. Here is the recipe for the spread. I also assembled a DELICIOUS chicken, broccoli and stuffing casserole. That recipe isn't online. It was from a Taste of Home magazine.
After making those things, my husband and I made lunch and cuddled on the couch to watch "Home Alone." It was so perfect. After that, we got ready for dinner at my parents' house. My mom made pasta, sausage and salad. After dinner, my brother, sister, husband, dad and I went to church early for choir practice and then celebrated Mass. There is nothing as magical and wonderful as Christmas Eve Mass. It was beautiful. After Mass, we headed back to my parents' to hang out a bit longer, visit and eat again. Come on, it's the holidays!
The next day, Joe and I woke up early and opened our gifts from Santa and each other. Wow, he spoiled me. My favorite gift from him was probably the mugs, plates and bowels he bought me from Ireland that match the teakettle I bought when we were there in August. I was pleasantly surprised. Then we headed to my parents' house to exchange with everyone. We had breakfast, then my mom, dad, husband, family friend who is a priest Father Bill and I headed to my dad's mom's house and visited and had lunch. We then headed home and got ready for Christmas dinner. Everyone was there, including my in-laws. It was great. That night my brother stayed the night so he and my husband could play their new video games. I made them barbecue riblets and chicken nuggets.
The next day, my husband and I hosted a Christmas movie day for our friends after Mass. We served sloppy Joes and a delicious macaroni and cheese. (Note: I used to make Pioneer Woman's mac and cheese, but this recipe is better.) I made a triple batch, and it was hammered. We all wear pajamas and everyone comes over and brings food and blankets and we are bums ALL DAY. We watched "The Santa Clause," "Elf," "Polar Express," "A Christmas Carol," "The Grinch," "The Grinch" cartoon, ""Four Christmases," and "Christmas Vacation." it is so needed after the busy holiday.
On Wednesday, we visited with my cousins, and we had a wonderful time. We went to their house, and we had a blast.
Thursday was the Christmas celebration at my dad's mom. We had lasagna, salad, bread and tons of cookies and cake.
On New Year's Eve, my parents hosted again! It was great and the night did not conclude until almost 5 a.m. on New Year's Day. We played games and had a wonderful time. My sister-in-law and her boyfriend stayed with us because my in-laws Christmas celebration was the next day, and their house was a bit crowded. So, after virtually no sleep, we headed to the in-laws for a wonderful Christmas gathering. It was a long day!
The next day we went to church and then my husband, sister-in-law and her boyfriend headed to my parents' house for leftovers. Then my sister-in-law headed back to Cleveland, and we went to my parents' for dinner that evening.
It was a busy but wonderful holiday. Although we continued the season through yesterday, our big celebrating concluded then. I wish everyone a blessed and Happy New Year! Hopefully we have an exciting and winderful year approaching. Stay tuned, and I am back!
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Monday, January 10, 2011
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Christmas from the Past!
So, I am going to try to do one post every day this month! December, what a great month to start with, right? We'll see!
Anyways, I this is a wonderful month. I was so enthralled to wake up to snow falling on the ground on Dec. 1. It felt magical. I love the snow, and it is pretty snow. I love everything about the holidays, especially how often I get to spend time with family and friends. I love the smell of winter, fires burning, cookies baking, Christmas music playing ( I have it on at work right now - Celine Dion's "O Holy Night"). I just love it, really.
In honor of the month of Christmas, I am going to post some pictures of some Christmases past. After looking through my files, I realize the only two Christmases I have uploaded are from 2007 and 2009 (the rest are on the computer at home). I will warn you, this post is picture heavy. So, here they are:
Anyways, I this is a wonderful month. I was so enthralled to wake up to snow falling on the ground on Dec. 1. It felt magical. I love the snow, and it is pretty snow. I love everything about the holidays, especially how often I get to spend time with family and friends. I love the smell of winter, fires burning, cookies baking, Christmas music playing ( I have it on at work right now - Celine Dion's "O Holy Night"). I just love it, really.
In honor of the month of Christmas, I am going to post some pictures of some Christmases past. After looking through my files, I realize the only two Christmases I have uploaded are from 2007 and 2009 (the rest are on the computer at home). I will warn you, this post is picture heavy. So, here they are:
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| Cutting down our tree in 2007 |
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| Our Maddy in 2007! |
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| Daddy and Maddy on Christmas Eve morning 2007! |
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| Us in front of our tree after Christmas Eve Mass 2007 |
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| She is trying to guilt us into more gifts! That adorable face gets us every time! |
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| This is during our gift exchange at our party. |
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Some of the gang at our house for our annual Christmas party. |
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| Hubby and me before Christmas Eve Mass. |
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| The 2008 cruise group at our Christmas party! |
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| My brother's girlfriend Maria, me and my sister Kayla at my parents' house after Christmas Eve Mass. |
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| My brother Derek and me at my parents' house on Christmas Eve. |
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| My husband and me at Grandma's on Christmas. |
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Gift time at my other grandma's house on Christmas Day!  |
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| We host a movie day after Christmas Day at our house. Everyone lays around ALL DAY, eats and watches Christmas movies. We all wear pajamas and are so lazy. It is wonderful! |
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| My sister and I with Dad at Grandma's house. |
Monday, October 25, 2010
Week in Review - Oct. 17-23, 2010; Halloween Party
Well, we had another fun and exciting weekend, and now it's a rainy Monday. What a bummer! Anyways, last week was so busy, and I was lazy and forgot to (more like neglected to) document each day. So, I am trying to recall it all at one time! What a joy.
Sunday - It was the day after alumni band, and since we went to Mass as a part of those festivities, we didn't have to go to Mass that day. However, I did have to get up and do a Weight Watchers meeting in excruciating pain. Remember my foot saga? Oh, it was bad. I pretty much laid around and elevated my foot for the rest of the day. I even watched some of that show "Sister Wives." I totally and completely disagree with their entire lifestyle, but I couldn't look away. It was like a car accident. Later, we headed down to my parents' house for pizza and then headed home. It was relaxing, and it was nice for a change.
Monday - Monday, my foot was swollen bad, and I had trouble putting a shoe on. I hobbled into work, and my co-worker Janice encouraged me to call my doctor. So, I took the afternoon off and went to the doctor who was convinced I had gout. That whole story is here. After stopping by the doctor's office, I went to the store for my weekly groceries and dropped off my prescription. Then, I headed home and put rustic chicken in the crock pot. It was so yummy. I then ate lunch and relaxed for the afternoon and evening.
Tuesday - I woke up, and the steroids and pain killers were magical; I finally had some relief. I did some light working out that day, just to see how it went. I went to work. After work, I made beef and noodles and worked on cleaning out the office a bit in the evening. "Glee" was a re-run, so I had to make other plans. I had some stuff to put in storage, and my brother and Joe took the stuff downstairs.
Wednesday - I woke up and did Tae Bo before work. I then headed home for lunch. After work, I dropped off some stuff to Goodwill, and then I headed to Weight Watchers to do my meeting. We had leftovers for dinner, and for Wednesday date night, we watched "Hocus Pocus." We love that movie. Then we relaxed for the rest of the meeting before heading to bed.
Thursday - I got up and worked out (I believe). I went to work and went home at lunch to put chili in the crock pot for dinner. I can't remember what I did right after work. But, I remember we had chili for dinner, and then my brother came up to watch "Community," "The Office" and "Outsourced." We had hot chocolate and had a great evening, and Joe finished putting together my Halloween costume (pictures coming).
Friday - We had a busy weekend coming up. I went grocery shopping for all the events. When I came home, we had leftover chili for dinner. Joe had cleaned the house, and we had a great evening making a spider cake. We made a chocolate cake in the shape of a spider's body. We used chocolate frosting and chocolate sprinkles (to make it look hairy). Then we made chocolate-covered marshmallows and attached them going out from the body, to make the legs. We used pretzel M&Ms for eyes. It was huge and was a hit. We delivered it to my parents' house. That night, I could not sleep. I think I was up until 5 a.m., absolutely wide awake. It was terrible. I have gone through bouts of terrible sleep for years, and this weekend was bad. I was so exhausted. I only slept for three hours. I then got up and made a lot of food for Sunday. We were planning on heading to the pumpkin patch, and I was having my family over afterwards for food and "Sweeney Todd." On Saturday, I made pumpkin trifle, sweet potato salad, pumpkin dip and a cheeseball. Then I showered, ate and laid down for a bit before the Halloween party at my parents'. However, I only slept maybe a half an hour. I got up, got my stuff together, got ready, and then we headed to the party. We stayed there until 2:30 a.m. Then we headed home, and I got approximately five hours of sleep before my Sunday Weight Watchers meeting. It made for a long and tiresome Sunday.
Yesterday, I got up, did my meeting, went to choir and church, headed to the pumpkin patch for a fabulous but hot few hours. We went to the shop, ate fudge and kettlecorn, shopped and had a wonderful day. Joe, my mom, dad, sister and I went, and it was so much fun. We headed to Kroger before heading back to the house for food. I served a pepperoni cheeseball (with crackers); pumpkin dip (with gingersnaps, Nilla wafers, graham crackers and cinnamon pretzels); pumpkin soup and bread; barbecue beef for sandwiches; a walnut, feta cheese and cranberry salad; homemade macaroni and cheese; Doritos; pretzels; some leftover desserts from Saturday that my mom brought up and an awesome pumpkin trifle. It was tasty. My mom, dad, sister, brother, Maria (brother's girlfriend), Joe, Father Bill (family friend who's a priest), friend Shaun and I had a great evening and watched the gruesome "Sweeney Todd," which was a hit. Joe and I love that movie.
What a week. I need a nap after my long weekend!
Here are a few more pictures from the Halloween party. Pumpkin patch pictures will come next week.
Sunday - It was the day after alumni band, and since we went to Mass as a part of those festivities, we didn't have to go to Mass that day. However, I did have to get up and do a Weight Watchers meeting in excruciating pain. Remember my foot saga? Oh, it was bad. I pretty much laid around and elevated my foot for the rest of the day. I even watched some of that show "Sister Wives." I totally and completely disagree with their entire lifestyle, but I couldn't look away. It was like a car accident. Later, we headed down to my parents' house for pizza and then headed home. It was relaxing, and it was nice for a change.
Monday - Monday, my foot was swollen bad, and I had trouble putting a shoe on. I hobbled into work, and my co-worker Janice encouraged me to call my doctor. So, I took the afternoon off and went to the doctor who was convinced I had gout. That whole story is here. After stopping by the doctor's office, I went to the store for my weekly groceries and dropped off my prescription. Then, I headed home and put rustic chicken in the crock pot. It was so yummy. I then ate lunch and relaxed for the afternoon and evening.
Tuesday - I woke up, and the steroids and pain killers were magical; I finally had some relief. I did some light working out that day, just to see how it went. I went to work. After work, I made beef and noodles and worked on cleaning out the office a bit in the evening. "Glee" was a re-run, so I had to make other plans. I had some stuff to put in storage, and my brother and Joe took the stuff downstairs.
Wednesday - I woke up and did Tae Bo before work. I then headed home for lunch. After work, I dropped off some stuff to Goodwill, and then I headed to Weight Watchers to do my meeting. We had leftovers for dinner, and for Wednesday date night, we watched "Hocus Pocus." We love that movie. Then we relaxed for the rest of the meeting before heading to bed.
Thursday - I got up and worked out (I believe). I went to work and went home at lunch to put chili in the crock pot for dinner. I can't remember what I did right after work. But, I remember we had chili for dinner, and then my brother came up to watch "Community," "The Office" and "Outsourced." We had hot chocolate and had a great evening, and Joe finished putting together my Halloween costume (pictures coming).
Friday - We had a busy weekend coming up. I went grocery shopping for all the events. When I came home, we had leftover chili for dinner. Joe had cleaned the house, and we had a great evening making a spider cake. We made a chocolate cake in the shape of a spider's body. We used chocolate frosting and chocolate sprinkles (to make it look hairy). Then we made chocolate-covered marshmallows and attached them going out from the body, to make the legs. We used pretzel M&Ms for eyes. It was huge and was a hit. We delivered it to my parents' house. That night, I could not sleep. I think I was up until 5 a.m., absolutely wide awake. It was terrible. I have gone through bouts of terrible sleep for years, and this weekend was bad. I was so exhausted. I only slept for three hours. I then got up and made a lot of food for Sunday. We were planning on heading to the pumpkin patch, and I was having my family over afterwards for food and "Sweeney Todd." On Saturday, I made pumpkin trifle, sweet potato salad, pumpkin dip and a cheeseball. Then I showered, ate and laid down for a bit before the Halloween party at my parents'. However, I only slept maybe a half an hour. I got up, got my stuff together, got ready, and then we headed to the party. We stayed there until 2:30 a.m. Then we headed home, and I got approximately five hours of sleep before my Sunday Weight Watchers meeting. It made for a long and tiresome Sunday.
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| Making the spider cake. My husband is the artist, and this was his baby. |
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| I am working on the frosting and sprinkles. |
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| Our finished project. I have quite a creative husband! |
Yesterday, I got up, did my meeting, went to choir and church, headed to the pumpkin patch for a fabulous but hot few hours. We went to the shop, ate fudge and kettlecorn, shopped and had a wonderful day. Joe, my mom, dad, sister and I went, and it was so much fun. We headed to Kroger before heading back to the house for food. I served a pepperoni cheeseball (with crackers); pumpkin dip (with gingersnaps, Nilla wafers, graham crackers and cinnamon pretzels); pumpkin soup and bread; barbecue beef for sandwiches; a walnut, feta cheese and cranberry salad; homemade macaroni and cheese; Doritos; pretzels; some leftover desserts from Saturday that my mom brought up and an awesome pumpkin trifle. It was tasty. My mom, dad, sister, brother, Maria (brother's girlfriend), Joe, Father Bill (family friend who's a priest), friend Shaun and I had a great evening and watched the gruesome "Sweeney Todd," which was a hit. Joe and I love that movie.
What a week. I need a nap after my long weekend!
Here are a few more pictures from the Halloween party. Pumpkin patch pictures will come next week.
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| My awesome parents dressed up as Carnival Cruise Line employees. We love cruising, and I love them! Hilarious. |
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| And the big reveal of our costumes. I was Flo, the Progressive Insurance girl, and Joe was the Nationwide guy. This was Joe's idea. He made my apron and buttons. |
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| My brother was the three hole punch version of Derek (as opposed to Jim). If you watch "The Office," you understand. |
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Week in Review Oct. 10-16
This was a fun but busy week. I was on deadline for work, we had alumni band, my brother-in-law came in for a visit with his kids and my parents went to Baltimore on a trip with the church. So,here goes nothing!
Sunday- I had to go lead my Weight Watcher meeting in the morning. We then headed to church for choir and had Mass. Then we headed back to our house, and my brother-in-law Jim stopped by for a quick visit with his two kids, Hannah and Ethan, before heading back to his house two hours away. Jim was visiting my in-laws all weekend (who live 15 minutes away). His wife couldn't come because she had to work all weekend. We had a nice visit. Earlier in the morning Jim called me and asked me to be baby Ethan's godmother.Of course I said yes, and I looked forward to Jim coming over so I could snuggle with the little guy. It took him a few minutes to warm up to me, but he did. After Jim left, I went to the mall to get my uncle a Steelers' shirt for his birthday, and then I went home and woke Joe up, so he could come to my grandma's house with me for my uncle's party. We then headed up to my grandma's for dinner.We had my grandma's amazing meatballs, pasta salad, my mom's wedding soup and pumpkin pie for birthday cake. After a long day,we came home and relaxed before bed.
Sunday- I had to go lead my Weight Watcher meeting in the morning. We then headed to church for choir and had Mass. Then we headed back to our house, and my brother-in-law Jim stopped by for a quick visit with his two kids, Hannah and Ethan, before heading back to his house two hours away. Jim was visiting my in-laws all weekend (who live 15 minutes away). His wife couldn't come because she had to work all weekend. We had a nice visit. Earlier in the morning Jim called me and asked me to be baby Ethan's godmother.Of course I said yes, and I looked forward to Jim coming over so I could snuggle with the little guy. It took him a few minutes to warm up to me, but he did. After Jim left, I went to the mall to get my uncle a Steelers' shirt for his birthday, and then I went home and woke Joe up, so he could come to my grandma's house with me for my uncle's party. We then headed up to my grandma's for dinner.We had my grandma's amazing meatballs, pasta salad, my mom's wedding soup and pumpkin pie for birthday cake. After a long day,we came home and relaxed before bed.
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| It's Aunt Renee and her newest godson! |
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| He is wondering about me! |
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| Happy birthday, Uncle Joe! |
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| Go Steelers! |
Monday - I woke up bright and early to walk Maddy,and then headed to work. It was a deadline week at the paper, so it was a busy day.I went grocery shopping during lunch. I then packed up a lunch and headed back to work. After work, I had to go to the doctor's office to pick up a physical paper for my brother, since my parents were out of town, and Derek had to go straight from class to work. Afterwards, I went home, made chicken with tomatoes, baked potatoes and corn for dinner. After dinner, Joe did dishes, and I cleaned out the hall closet, while watching the season opener of "Giuliana and Bill." Yes, I am a reality show junkie. Then, I went to bed absolutely exhausted, but I couldn't sleep until 2 a.m. It made for a long Tuesday!
Tuesday - Even though I had a long night, I got up early and did a workout from digital cable. I then headed to work for actual deadline day. I went home at lunch to put a ham in the crock pot, and I headed back to work. Joe finished dinner. He made mashed potatoes and green beans. I got home at around 7 p.m. and ate. Then we relaxed and watched T.V. Kayla came up and we watcher "Glee." It was great episode about duets. Loved it. Then I blogged a bit and headed to bed. What a long day!
Wednesday - Wednesday I woke up and went to work. I know I worked out at some point, but I can't remember if it was in the morning or during lunch. I went to work, and after work headed to Walmart to pick up supplies to make the Oreo cupcakes I was making for the weekend. Then I had my Weight Watchers meeting, headed home to my house that my husband cleaned (we're talking bathrooms and all) and ate ham leftovers. Then I had a Weight Watchers conference call at 8 p.m. Afterwards, Joe and I watched "Sweeney Todd," and relaxed. My sister, brother, and brother's friend Ben stopped by for a few minutes. We had a a nice evening.
Thursday - Thursday I was planning to have my parents up for dinner because they got back very late Wednesday night from a three-day trip to Baltimore, Gettysburg and Washington, D.C., and I wanted to hear about the trip. Well, Joe had cleaned the whole house the night before, so I didn't have to worry too much about that. I think I did Tae Bo in the morning before heading to work. At lunch, I came home and made an apple spice bundt cake; it was yummy! After work, I headed home and made taco salad, corn bread, cinnamon applesauce and macaroni and cheese. Then my parents came up for dinner. It was yummy, and we had a chance to visit, look at pictures and relax. It was really awesome. After they left, my brother and sister and my brother's friend came up to watch "The Office." It was a great night.
Friday - I woke up early and did ab exercises. My left foot was killing me (and still is), and I couldn't do much exercise. It is a pain that radiates from the inside ball of my left foot into the toe. It even looks slightly swollen today (Sunday). Joy! I then went to work, came home and baked pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and Oreo cupcakes that were divine. (I even chopped up Oreos for the cake batter and for the frosting.) Then, Joe and I relaxed and watched "Groundhog Day" before heading to bed.
Saturday - It was the big alumni day I have been talking about. We had practice at 11 a.m. at the high school. I got up early, went to practice, and we all headed to get Chinese after practice. Then we headed to Mass at the high school and played after Mass. Then, we rode in the band bus to the stadium (five minute drive away). The game was fun, and we ate a lot of Swedish fish, which is an odd tradition for alumni band. After the game, we drove cars (that we dropped off at the stadium earlier in the day) back to the school and played at the fish fry. Then we hung out in the band room and Chris (alumni band member) played "American Pie," "Piano Man" and "Sweet Caroline," while we sang along. Chris is, by far, the most talented musician I know. He can hear a song and just play it right now - no music needed. Amazing! Afterwards, my cousins Megan and Ryan rode with us back to my parents' house. My mom had awesome roast beef sandwiches, chips, Doritos, potato salad and macaroni and cheese. We also had my cookies and cupcakes for dessert. We ended the party way into the night (after 2 a.m.), and I had to be up for my Weight Watchers meeting at 7 a.m. That was a blast (notice the sarcasm).
Today, I am relaxing and taking it easy. I hope that by relaxing, I will give my foot some time to heal. Go Steelers. Ben is back!
Wednesday - Wednesday I woke up and went to work. I know I worked out at some point, but I can't remember if it was in the morning or during lunch. I went to work, and after work headed to Walmart to pick up supplies to make the Oreo cupcakes I was making for the weekend. Then I had my Weight Watchers meeting, headed home to my house that my husband cleaned (we're talking bathrooms and all) and ate ham leftovers. Then I had a Weight Watchers conference call at 8 p.m. Afterwards, Joe and I watched "Sweeney Todd," and relaxed. My sister, brother, and brother's friend Ben stopped by for a few minutes. We had a a nice evening.
Thursday - Thursday I was planning to have my parents up for dinner because they got back very late Wednesday night from a three-day trip to Baltimore, Gettysburg and Washington, D.C., and I wanted to hear about the trip. Well, Joe had cleaned the whole house the night before, so I didn't have to worry too much about that. I think I did Tae Bo in the morning before heading to work. At lunch, I came home and made an apple spice bundt cake; it was yummy! After work, I headed home and made taco salad, corn bread, cinnamon applesauce and macaroni and cheese. Then my parents came up for dinner. It was yummy, and we had a chance to visit, look at pictures and relax. It was really awesome. After they left, my brother and sister and my brother's friend came up to watch "The Office." It was a great night.
Friday - I woke up early and did ab exercises. My left foot was killing me (and still is), and I couldn't do much exercise. It is a pain that radiates from the inside ball of my left foot into the toe. It even looks slightly swollen today (Sunday). Joy! I then went to work, came home and baked pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and Oreo cupcakes that were divine. (I even chopped up Oreos for the cake batter and for the frosting.) Then, Joe and I relaxed and watched "Groundhog Day" before heading to bed.
Saturday - It was the big alumni day I have been talking about. We had practice at 11 a.m. at the high school. I got up early, went to practice, and we all headed to get Chinese after practice. Then we headed to Mass at the high school and played after Mass. Then, we rode in the band bus to the stadium (five minute drive away). The game was fun, and we ate a lot of Swedish fish, which is an odd tradition for alumni band. After the game, we drove cars (that we dropped off at the stadium earlier in the day) back to the school and played at the fish fry. Then we hung out in the band room and Chris (alumni band member) played "American Pie," "Piano Man" and "Sweet Caroline," while we sang along. Chris is, by far, the most talented musician I know. He can hear a song and just play it right now - no music needed. Amazing! Afterwards, my cousins Megan and Ryan rode with us back to my parents' house. My mom had awesome roast beef sandwiches, chips, Doritos, potato salad and macaroni and cheese. We also had my cookies and cupcakes for dessert. We ended the party way into the night (after 2 a.m.), and I had to be up for my Weight Watchers meeting at 7 a.m. That was a blast (notice the sarcasm).
Today, I am relaxing and taking it easy. I hope that by relaxing, I will give my foot some time to heal. Go Steelers. Ben is back!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Alumni Game 2010
As I mentioned, this weekend is alumni band weekend, and I am so excited because so many of my former band peers are coming in for it this year. We will have practice tomorrow morning at the school, and then we will all head to lunch before returning to the school for Mass (Catholic high school). After Mass, we will head to the game and play and hang out. I doubt I will play much, as I look forward to the company more than anything, but my whole family will be playing, and it is a good time. When I say my whole family, I mean my mom, dad, sister, brother, aunt, uncle and cousin. Yes, we were all in the same band, at different times, of course :)
After the game, we are always pretty starved. So, we will head to my parents, and my mom will have tasty food. I am going to make pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and Oreo cupcakes. We also bought a couple dozen smiley face cookies from a local bakery, which was a treat my group always enjoyed while we were growing up. Yum!
Here is the link for the Oreo cupcakes:
http://acupfullofcake.blogspot.com/2010/06/fathers-day-death-by-oreo-cupcakes.html
Here is the link for the chocolate chip pumpkin cookies:
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies-iii/Detail.aspx
Now, I haven't made either recipe, yet, but you can be sure I will give you a full update next week. I mean, honestly, how can they be bad? They are chocolate and Oreos and frosting. Thinking about that alone made me just gain five pounds! Normally, I like to make apple pie cupcakes for the fall alumni game, but I am changing it up this year. I love trying new recipes in the kitchen, and my husband never seems to mind! Since my post was so picture heavy yesterday, I will keep it free of pictures this time. Be sure there will be plenty from alumni game next week.
Have a great weekend and be safe!
After the game, we are always pretty starved. So, we will head to my parents, and my mom will have tasty food. I am going to make pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and Oreo cupcakes. We also bought a couple dozen smiley face cookies from a local bakery, which was a treat my group always enjoyed while we were growing up. Yum!
Here is the link for the Oreo cupcakes:
http://acupfullofcake.blogspot.com/2010/06/fathers-day-death-by-oreo-cupcakes.html
Here is the link for the chocolate chip pumpkin cookies:
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies-iii/Detail.aspx
Now, I haven't made either recipe, yet, but you can be sure I will give you a full update next week. I mean, honestly, how can they be bad? They are chocolate and Oreos and frosting. Thinking about that alone made me just gain five pounds! Normally, I like to make apple pie cupcakes for the fall alumni game, but I am changing it up this year. I love trying new recipes in the kitchen, and my husband never seems to mind! Since my post was so picture heavy yesterday, I will keep it free of pictures this time. Be sure there will be plenty from alumni game next week.
Have a great weekend and be safe!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Travel Thursdays - Our First Cruise
This is a long post and very picture heavy. Proceed if you dare!
Cruising wasn't something that Joe or I had ever done, along with most of the rest of my family. However, it was something my parents always wanted to do. So, for their 25th wedding anniversary in 2006, my sister, brother, Joe and I threw my parents an anniversary party and asked that everyone, in lieu of gifts, consider donating toward a cruise for them. The feedback was positive, and we were able to write my parents a nice check for a cruise of their choice. Their anniversary was two weeks before our August wedding, and they took the cruise in May 2007.
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| Come sail away with me! |
Well, fast forward two years later (June of 2008), and we all decided to go on the same cruise they went on. When I say all, I mean all nine of us, including: Joe, Mom, Dad, Kayla, Derek, two friends, our friend Finney and me! It was all set, we decided to cruise on the Carnival Miracle for nine days (same exact cruise my parents did). We left from New York, which was driving distance for us, and we went to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and Tortola.
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| Dad, Finney, Mom and I by the pool one morning. Notice there is no one else there. |
Let me tell you, within minutes we were hooked. If you have never been on a cruise, you have got to try it. Envision drinks and food available all day, someone cleaning your room twice a day, napping as you please, getting lost in a good book, excellent food, going to Vegas-style shows every night, laying poolside and gorging yourself with soft-serve ice cream. It really is magical.
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| Waiters singing Mom and Kayla "Happy Birthday." They share a birthday, and my sister turned 21 on the cruise! |
We got a balcony room, and I don't think I can cruise any other way. Think about it, a private balcony to read on while sailing the ocean. Can you smell the salt water right now?
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| Our ship in Puerto Rico. |
There is much debate over Royal Caribbean versus Carnival, and honestly I can't give a real review because we have only cruised with Carnival. But, we have cruised with Carnival three times, and we love it. Does that say anything? Carnival is a fun ship; it is true. There are events that are a little corny (belly-flopping contest, etc.), but we just don't go to those. There also are jewelry sales, art shows, bar musicians, trivia games, casinos, bingo games and so much. If there is something that interests you, you can go. If you don't want to go, just don't. It is time for luxury and relaxation. Speaking of luxury, my sister and I always take advantage of the spa. I just realized I need a cruise right now.
Each port was unique. We had three sea days before reaching Puerto Rico, and let me tell you, we love sea days. We could wake up anytime we wanted and really relax. In Puerto Rico, my mom, dad, sister, brother, Joe, Finney and I did a tour of the island and went to the Bacardi Rum factory. Although the tour of the factory left much to be desired, we loved our free rum, and we got to take some great flavors home with us. On the tour, we saw where Roberto Clemente is buried and shopped in some of the markets near the port. We were there a good while (3-11 p.m.), which we really loved because it gave us a lot of time to enjoy the city. After dinner (we ate in the lido deck dining room on the ship), Joe and I went and sat on the top deck completely by ourselves, and I mean completely by ourselves. It was dark out, and we could look at the city with a gorgeous view. That was probably the best part of the trip for me. I think Joe would agree. That night, we had a Mexican buffet and dance party while our ship set sale for our next port, which was St. Thomas!
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| Kayla and me at Bacardi! |
St. Thomas was gorgeous. I don't care what anyone says. We did a tour of the island again and stopped at Magens Bay. We had the whole beach to ourselves. Seriously, there were maybe two dozen people stretched along the beach. The water was crystal clear and just gorgeous. We loved it! For that excursion day, it was just my mom, dad, sister, brother, Joe and me. After the beach, we went to (what we call) tent city, and I got my very own Coach purse. Kayla got two purses. It was insanely hot, and I believe Joe was delirious when he told me to find a purse. I promise I didn't even ask for one. Finney went by himself that day, and he said Magens Bay was packed when he went. We really lucked out. Don't worry, that day we got free rum too.
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| St. Thomas |
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| Joe, me, Derek and Kayla at St. Thomas |
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| My sister at Magens Bay with no one in sight. Incredible. |
Our third excursion day was Tortola, and it was the best excursion day. Kayla and I went swimming with dolphins. I thought we would be in a huge group and get very limited interaction. Boy was I wrong! The big excursion group broke into smaller groups, and our group was approximately seven or eight people, and we had two trainers and two dolphins. We got to feed them, pet them, ride them two times each and do tricks with them (getting them to speak and spit water). It was fantastic! I highly recommend the dolphin excursion in Tortola. We purchased a video and pictures at the end. It was hot, so when we got back to port, we only went shopping for a short while before heading back to the ship.
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| Joe and me on our balcony in Tortola. |
While on the ship, we had two formal nights, which you don't have to attend, but I highly recommend them. It's fun to get dressed up once in a while, right? Carnival's dress code isn't too strict. The ladies wore anything from cocktail dresses to gowns, and the guys pretty much wore suits or at least dress shirts and ties. The first formal night (earlier in the trip) was what they call "Captain's Formal Night," where you get to listen to the ship band play music in the main theater, meet and shake hands with the captain and crew and indulge in free alcohol and appetizers. (Although food and drinks are included in the cost of cruising, there is a cost for alcohol.) My parents got to go to a special past cruisers event later in the cruise (which we got to attend in later cruises). Those are fun too!
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| Dancing with my baby brother one night! |
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| Joe and I at our first formal night! |
One of the highlights for our group was the piano player, Roger, in the piano bar. The piano bars on the ships are like a group sing-a-long, and they are a blast. Roger was a great entertainer, and we became regulars of that bar. It is bad, by the way, if you are regulars on a nine-day cruise.
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| Second formal night. |
The second highlight for our group, was that Finney won bingo twice (totaling something like $800), and our other friend won. It was so cool. When Finney won the big bingo, he paid a round of drinks that night. It was a ball!
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| Our whole gang at dinner with our waiters on the last night. The picture is fuzzy, but it was a group shot. |
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| Our dining room |
Since that cruise was two-and-a-half years ago, I don't remember all of the details. But, I think I did pretty good.
I want a drink with an umbrella, a lounge chair in the sun and ocean as far as my eyes can see right about now.
Monday, October 11, 2010
My cousin's wedding
Well, we finally loaded some pictures on the computer, so I can update with some pictures...woo hoo!
Two weeks ago, my cousin Christine got married,and it was a night of fun and full of family time. She had an absolutely gorgeous September day for a wedding. It was sunny and warm, but not too hot.
I had to go to the actual ceremony by myself, since my husband and dad were working, and my sister had a football game. (My sister is the band's dance team instructor.)
Afterwards, we all caught up and went to the wedding together. My cousin Luke was in from Indiana, and he sat at our table with us,along with my dad's cousin Annette (and obviously my husband, mom, dad and sister. I think the highlight of the wedding was when the groom sang to the bride. It was so awesome. He sand Elvis Presley's, "I Can't Help Falling Love with You." I kid you not when I say he sounded like Elvis.I mean, Joe didn't believe the groom was singing until he got choked up for a second. That man's got pipes. AMAZING!
So, here are the pictures!
Here is my sister Kayla dancing with our little cousin Karlie:
And what would wedding pictures be without a picture of the bride and groom? It's not my picture, but it's from her Facebook page (not a professional picture). I don't think she'll care!
Two weeks ago, my cousin Christine got married,and it was a night of fun and full of family time. She had an absolutely gorgeous September day for a wedding. It was sunny and warm, but not too hot.
I had to go to the actual ceremony by myself, since my husband and dad were working, and my sister had a football game. (My sister is the band's dance team instructor.)
Afterwards, we all caught up and went to the wedding together. My cousin Luke was in from Indiana, and he sat at our table with us,along with my dad's cousin Annette (and obviously my husband, mom, dad and sister. I think the highlight of the wedding was when the groom sang to the bride. It was so awesome. He sand Elvis Presley's, "I Can't Help Falling Love with You." I kid you not when I say he sounded like Elvis.I mean, Joe didn't believe the groom was singing until he got choked up for a second. That man's got pipes. AMAZING!
So, here are the pictures!
Here is my sister Kayla dancing with our little cousin Karlie:
And what would wedding pictures be without a picture of the bride and groom? It's not my picture, but it's from her Facebook page (not a professional picture). I don't think she'll care!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
My Tuesday
Yesterday was awful. I work at a newspaper, and we were on deadline yesterday, and I didn't get home until late. On top of all the drama all day long at work, I had to stay there extra long ... perfect!
However, my day completely turned around once I walked into my house. My husband had the house cleaned, candles lit and was heating up my dinner (that he made). The dinner was delicious; he made apple and onion pork chops, roasted potatoes and green beans. I can still taste the yumminess!
After dinner, my cousin and sister came over to watch "Glee" (Britney Spears episode). Quite funny. I had made homemade Rice Krispie treats. So, after the show was over, Joe went to bed, and I stayed up a bit, surfing the Internet and reading Harry Potter.
I stayed up too late, and I didn't get up early enough to work out, so I will have to do that during lunch...blah!
Today is my brother's birthday, so we will go out to dinner tonight. I will have to meet the gang at Dee Jay's (local rib place that makes really outstanding ribs, even though I will probably get a chicken salad) because I have to work at WW meeting before heading over. I can't believe my baby brother is 20! I will have to do a post on him soon. He is my buddy! Then I will be able to relax a bit.
Hopefully, I will have a more interesting post soon. But first, a picture of the birthday boy:
However, my day completely turned around once I walked into my house. My husband had the house cleaned, candles lit and was heating up my dinner (that he made). The dinner was delicious; he made apple and onion pork chops, roasted potatoes and green beans. I can still taste the yumminess!
After dinner, my cousin and sister came over to watch "Glee" (Britney Spears episode). Quite funny. I had made homemade Rice Krispie treats. So, after the show was over, Joe went to bed, and I stayed up a bit, surfing the Internet and reading Harry Potter.
I stayed up too late, and I didn't get up early enough to work out, so I will have to do that during lunch...blah!
Today is my brother's birthday, so we will go out to dinner tonight. I will have to meet the gang at Dee Jay's (local rib place that makes really outstanding ribs, even though I will probably get a chicken salad) because I have to work at WW meeting before heading over. I can't believe my baby brother is 20! I will have to do a post on him soon. He is my buddy! Then I will be able to relax a bit.
Hopefully, I will have a more interesting post soon. But first, a picture of the birthday boy:
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
25 random things about me
I have seen a lot of bloggers doing a "25 Random Things About Me" post, and I am not above being a copycat:) There are many quizzes and surveys out there that answer a lot of the basics, but this seems like more fun. This might get long, and I apologize in advance. I might go into a little more description about these in future blogs. So, here it goes:
1.) I have a major sweet tooth, and I mean major. I adore chocolate, candy, cake, cookies, and since I am constantly watching my weight, I have to work hard to limit these treats.
2.) My husband and family mean the world to me, and my biggest fear in the entire world is losing them. Enough of that, too depressing.
3.) I absolutely love Thanksgiving time and on through December, because I have a real obsession with Christmas. I love the sights, smells and sounds of the holidays. I think it even annoyed my husband when we were first together. Growing up, Christmas music began Nov. 1, and that tradition has finally taken hold in our household now.
4.) I obsess over my weight. I lost 40 pounds five years ago, and I have kept it off, but I still worry I will wake up one morning, and it will all be back on my body - irrational and silly, I know.
5.) I am a journalist, and I love writing. However, I like writing here more than what I do for a living. There is more freedom and less censoring. Side note: When I do write, I follow Associated Press Style because that is what I follow for work.
6.) I love to travel. Since getting married, my husband and I have been to Disney World (honeymoon), Minnesota, Virginia, Baltimore, the Caribbean, the British and American Virgin Islands, Mexico, Florida, New York and Ireland. There have been many other side trips along the way, but those are the major locales. Many of the tropical places were places we visited when cruising. Travel is so important to me. I grew up traveling, and it is something I want to pass onto my family.
7.) I love spending time in the kitchen trying new and creative recipes.
8.) I love to entertain. I work very hard planning parties, and my husband and I throw several parties each year: birthdays, day after Thanksgiving gathering, Christmas party, Super Bowl gathering and St. Patrick's Day party, along with all of the other gatherings we host.
9.) My husband and I have a small, but incredible, group of friends. We have known each other since high school, and they are mostly guys, but we love them dearly. They are very supportive, and we even travel together.
10.) I am a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Yankees, Notre Dame and my high school football team. My husband and I, along with my aforementioned friends and family, still have season tickets to the high school games.
11.) My husband and I eat dinner together, at the dinner table, with the television off every night, unless one of us is working. I am so proud of that and really cherish that time.
12.) I have a hard time picking out one hobby to stick with. I think I get too many ideas and can't stick to anything in particular. I love to read, watch television and scrapbook. I really love blogging;)
13.) I am a very anxious person and stress over so many significant and insignificant things. It drives my husband and me crazy. I really need to figure this one out.
14.) My favorite books are Harry Potter. I adore them, and I am reading them again before the movie comes out in two months. I better get on that!
15.) My pet peeves include: smokers who blow smoke in my face, people who talk on cell phones and drive, loud chewing and poor drivers. I know these things make me look shallow, but it is the truth, and I want to be real here.
16.) I love fall. It is definitely my favorite season: the smell of spices and crisp air, the cool breeze, the changing leaves and the taste of apple cider!
17.) I am a person who loves tradition, and I stick to them. Each year, my husband and I go to a pumpkin patch, go shopping together the day after Thanksgiving and eat lunch at Panera Bread that day, cut down our own Christmas tree, decorate our tree together, go to the B.E. Taylor Christmas concert and much more.
18.) The thing I love about my husband most is that he does so many things with me. From eating together, to attending graduation parties and vacationing with my family, my husband is there and doesn't say a word. My family truly is my husband's family, and I love that about him. I don't have to worry about going anywhere alone, because as long as he is not working, Joe is right by my side.
19.) Since getting married, have become a clean freak. It drives my husband crazy sometimes, I am sure, but I used to be so disorganized. It was like I did a 180-degree spin.
20.) My dog Maddy is a rescue dog and is my life. I love her to pieces.
21.) My favorite day of the week is Thursday.
22.) I absolutely love, love, love anything and everything that is Disney. I love the old movies, the music, Walt Disney World and the magic that I feel when I experience it. I love Disney so much that we went to Walt Disney World for our honeymoon and can't wait to go back.
23.) I equally love musicals. As I mentioned before, my family loves music, and all of us can play instruments. We used to watch musicals when I was a kid, and I still love them to this very day. Some of my favorites are: "Sound of Music," "Music Man," "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "Wicked," "Phantom of the Opera" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" (which is a musical that brings another tradition into my family, and I will talk about that in a later post).
24.) My biggest dream my whole life has been to be a mom. I feel it is a calling, and I look forward to someday fulfilling that dream. I also hope to stay at home with my kids (to some extent) because my mom stayed home with us, and I am still grateful for that sacrifice she made.
25.) We live in a small town where everyone knows everyone, and although that can be obnoxious at times, it keeps me grounded now and while I was growing up. Also, there is always someone there for you when you need it. It really is a good thing.
Sorry that was so long. If you made it all the way through, you deserve a treat. I say you go for a nice big bowl of ice cream or a warm chocolate chip cookie (that's the sweet tooth speaking).
1.) I have a major sweet tooth, and I mean major. I adore chocolate, candy, cake, cookies, and since I am constantly watching my weight, I have to work hard to limit these treats.
2.) My husband and family mean the world to me, and my biggest fear in the entire world is losing them. Enough of that, too depressing.
3.) I absolutely love Thanksgiving time and on through December, because I have a real obsession with Christmas. I love the sights, smells and sounds of the holidays. I think it even annoyed my husband when we were first together. Growing up, Christmas music began Nov. 1, and that tradition has finally taken hold in our household now.
4.) I obsess over my weight. I lost 40 pounds five years ago, and I have kept it off, but I still worry I will wake up one morning, and it will all be back on my body - irrational and silly, I know.
5.) I am a journalist, and I love writing. However, I like writing here more than what I do for a living. There is more freedom and less censoring. Side note: When I do write, I follow Associated Press Style because that is what I follow for work.
6.) I love to travel. Since getting married, my husband and I have been to Disney World (honeymoon), Minnesota, Virginia, Baltimore, the Caribbean, the British and American Virgin Islands, Mexico, Florida, New York and Ireland. There have been many other side trips along the way, but those are the major locales. Many of the tropical places were places we visited when cruising. Travel is so important to me. I grew up traveling, and it is something I want to pass onto my family.
7.) I love spending time in the kitchen trying new and creative recipes.
8.) I love to entertain. I work very hard planning parties, and my husband and I throw several parties each year: birthdays, day after Thanksgiving gathering, Christmas party, Super Bowl gathering and St. Patrick's Day party, along with all of the other gatherings we host.
9.) My husband and I have a small, but incredible, group of friends. We have known each other since high school, and they are mostly guys, but we love them dearly. They are very supportive, and we even travel together.
10.) I am a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Yankees, Notre Dame and my high school football team. My husband and I, along with my aforementioned friends and family, still have season tickets to the high school games.
11.) My husband and I eat dinner together, at the dinner table, with the television off every night, unless one of us is working. I am so proud of that and really cherish that time.
12.) I have a hard time picking out one hobby to stick with. I think I get too many ideas and can't stick to anything in particular. I love to read, watch television and scrapbook. I really love blogging;)
13.) I am a very anxious person and stress over so many significant and insignificant things. It drives my husband and me crazy. I really need to figure this one out.
14.) My favorite books are Harry Potter. I adore them, and I am reading them again before the movie comes out in two months. I better get on that!
15.) My pet peeves include: smokers who blow smoke in my face, people who talk on cell phones and drive, loud chewing and poor drivers. I know these things make me look shallow, but it is the truth, and I want to be real here.
16.) I love fall. It is definitely my favorite season: the smell of spices and crisp air, the cool breeze, the changing leaves and the taste of apple cider!
17.) I am a person who loves tradition, and I stick to them. Each year, my husband and I go to a pumpkin patch, go shopping together the day after Thanksgiving and eat lunch at Panera Bread that day, cut down our own Christmas tree, decorate our tree together, go to the B.E. Taylor Christmas concert and much more.
18.) The thing I love about my husband most is that he does so many things with me. From eating together, to attending graduation parties and vacationing with my family, my husband is there and doesn't say a word. My family truly is my husband's family, and I love that about him. I don't have to worry about going anywhere alone, because as long as he is not working, Joe is right by my side.
19.) Since getting married, have become a clean freak. It drives my husband crazy sometimes, I am sure, but I used to be so disorganized. It was like I did a 180-degree spin.
20.) My dog Maddy is a rescue dog and is my life. I love her to pieces.
21.) My favorite day of the week is Thursday.
22.) I absolutely love, love, love anything and everything that is Disney. I love the old movies, the music, Walt Disney World and the magic that I feel when I experience it. I love Disney so much that we went to Walt Disney World for our honeymoon and can't wait to go back.
23.) I equally love musicals. As I mentioned before, my family loves music, and all of us can play instruments. We used to watch musicals when I was a kid, and I still love them to this very day. Some of my favorites are: "Sound of Music," "Music Man," "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "Wicked," "Phantom of the Opera" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" (which is a musical that brings another tradition into my family, and I will talk about that in a later post).
24.) My biggest dream my whole life has been to be a mom. I feel it is a calling, and I look forward to someday fulfilling that dream. I also hope to stay at home with my kids (to some extent) because my mom stayed home with us, and I am still grateful for that sacrifice she made.
25.) We live in a small town where everyone knows everyone, and although that can be obnoxious at times, it keeps me grounded now and while I was growing up. Also, there is always someone there for you when you need it. It really is a good thing.
Sorry that was so long. If you made it all the way through, you deserve a treat. I say you go for a nice big bowl of ice cream or a warm chocolate chip cookie (that's the sweet tooth speaking).
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